The HSUS Assists in Rescue of 29 Animals from Tennessee Hoarding Situation

The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team was called in by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the rescue of 29 animals found living in deplorable condition on a Moss, Tenn. property. The owner was unable to properly care for the animals and surrendered 16 dogs, three cats, one rabbit, eight birds and one duck to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

“Clay County is one of 40 counties in Tennessee that has no animal control officers or animal shelter, and it’s a primary mission of The Humane Society of the United States to help fill these gaps and rescue animals where local capacity doesn’t exist,” said Leighann McCollum, Tennessee state director for The HSUS. “I would like to thank the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for stepping up and taking the welfare of these animals seriously.”

Local law enforcement was alerted to this case when concerned citizens lodged complaints about the welfare of the animals. When responders arrived on scene they found the animals living in filthy conditions with little access to food or water. There were also several dead animals found inside and outside the home. Many of the animals were thin and suffering from a variety of medical issues.

The HSUS has safely removed all of the animals and transported them to a temporary sheltering site set up at Happy Tales Humane. Several members of the Wilson County Disaster Animal Response Team also assisted with intake of the animals. The animals will be thoroughly examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any medical treatment needed before being considered for adoption or being placed in foster homes.